Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says the Nigerian economy is making steady progress under President Bola Tinubu despite ongoing challenges.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving members of
the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Idris said reforms introduced by the
current administration are beginning to bear fruit.
“The economy is not yet what we want it to be, but we can
see that there is a steady progression,” the minister said.
“The president has said over and over again that we are
turning the corner. I know that many people will say it’s not yet El
Dorado—yes, I also agree—but you cannot always say that there is no progress.”
‘REFORMS SHOWING RESULTS’
Idris said international rating agencies have started
acknowledging Nigeria’s efforts to stabilise its economy.
“We are seeing some upward ticks in the way our economy is
being managed,” he added.
He listed the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of
exchange rates as major policy decisions driving the economic recovery.
The minister also highlighted the government’s student loan
scheme as one of the social intervention programmes making an impact.
“Because of this deliberate intentional policy of the
government, over 300,000 Nigerian students that hitherto were out of school—or
could have been out of school—now have the opportunity to be in school,” he
said.
“The government is paying for their tuition and upkeep. This
is unprecedented.”
On national security, Idris said the government has made
significant progress in the fight against violent criminals.
He called on the media to support the armed forces by
highlighting their achievements rather than focusing solely on attacks.
“I have always said that it is not good for us as media
practitioners to place emphasis or premium on these criminals, gangsters, and
terrorists or bandits or whatever they are, over and above the citizens of this
country,” he said.
‘BALANCE CRITICISM WITH PATROTISM’
Idris said while the media has to hold the government
accountable, it must also promote unity and progress.
“Journalists must practice with a sense of responsibility
and patriotism,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to
press freedom and freedom of expression, describing both as cornerstones of
Nigeria’s democracy.
Responding to a report submitted by the guild on outdated
media laws, Idris said he would consult with Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general
of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, and set up a committee within
the ministry to study the recommendations.
Earlier, Sebastian Abu, deputy president of the guild, said
the visit was to present the report of the Guild’s Law Reform Committee, which
identified provisions needing review to create a freer and more enabling media
environment.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com